Rua do Bonjardim: Why This Porto Strip is the Coolest Street in Europe for 2026
In a move that has sent ripples through the global travel industry, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has officially announced a permanent and sweeping change to its commission structure. Effective January 1, 2026, NCL has eliminated Non-Commissionable Fares (NCFs), ensuring that travel advisors are paid on nearly the entire cruise fare.
This “bold” decision, first broken by Travel Weekly, marks a significant financial commitment from the cruise line to its “Partners First” philosophy. Below is the full breakdown of this industry-shifting news, optimized for those looking to understand the future of cruise advisor earnings.
For decades, Rua do Bonjardim was a quiet artery in the Baixa district, known mostly to locals for its traditional grocery stores and no-nonsense eateries. However, in 2026, it has emerged as the “perfect” street—one that sits close enough to the grand Avenida dos Aliados to be central, yet far enough from the riverfront chaos to feel like a neighborhood where people actually live.
Stretching for nearly a kilometer, the street offers a “flipbook” of Porto’s history, where crumbling tiled façades stand proudly alongside award-winning architectural rehabilitations.
Where to Eat: From Legendary Pork to Sourdough Stars
The food scene on Bonjardim is the street’s greatest asset. It manages to balance the city’s culinary heritage with the playful energy of a new generation of chefs.
- The Legend: Conga. You cannot visit this street without stopping at Conga. Famous for its bifana (a spicy pork sandwich), the meat is slow-cooked in a secret, fiery sauce that has remained unchanged for generations. It is arguably the most famous sandwich in the city.
- The New Wave: Luffa. Located inside the stunning Torel Saboaria hotel (a former soap factory), Luffa is where Portuguese flavours meet global techniques. It’s playful, bold, and served in one of the most handsome dining rooms in the Baixa.
- The Daily Bread: Mila Bonjardim. This bakery has become the neighborhood’s living room. Specializing in naturally leavened sourdough and delicate pastries, it’s the go-to spot for a slow morning coffee.
Shopping and Culture: A Time Capsule Experience
Bonjardim is one of the few places left in Porto where you can still experience the mercearias (traditional grocers) of old.
- Casa Januário & Pretinho do Japão: These are more than just shops; they are time capsules. With shelves stacked high with dried cod, sacks of coffee beans, and local spices, they offer the kind of sensory experience that modern supermarkets have long forgotten.
- Rivoli Theatre: At the southern end of the street, the monumental Rivoli anchors the area’s cultural life. Whether it’s contemporary dance, theatre, or the latest indie film, the Rivoli ensures the street stays vibrant well after the shops close.
Why 2026 is the Year to Visit
The inclusion of Rua do Bonjardim on the global “Coolest Streets” list reflects a broader shift in travel. People are moving away from “theme park” tourism and seeking out streets that offer community spirit.
The Bonjardim urban redevelopment project has also reached a milestone this year, bringing over 4,000 square meters of new retail and residential space into the mix while carefully preserving the street’s historic character. With new flagships like Fujifilm and various local boutiques opening up, the street is buzzing with a renewed sense of purpose.
Humanizing the Porto Experience
If you want to experience Bonjardim like a local, skip the taxi. Start at the Trindade Metro station and walk southward toward the river. Take the time to look up at the intricate azulejo (tiles) on the buildings—many of which are currently being painstakingly restored.
Stop for a glass of wine at Ottto, an unconventional spot that mixes small plates with rotating art exhibitions. It is here, among the mix of old-school grocers and trendy art-lovers, that you’ll find the true, unfiltered magic of Porto.
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